We are inching closer to the midway point of the NFL season and then we'll figure out who is for real and who is just a pretender. But after looking over at the upcoming games this week, you got 6 games with divisional rivals going at it, including 3 games where winner takes the divisional title for the time being and another game where it could be.

Interesting Picks/Games

Thursday 8:20 p.m.Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ersAs much as people want to think it's like USC vs. Stanford because of the coaches (Carroll and Harbaugh), just ignore that crap. You got a Seahawks defense that's 4th overall in total yards allowed (294.7 ypg) and 2nd in points allowed (15.5 ppg) against a 49ers defense that's 1st overall in total yards allowed (275.8 ypg) and 3rd in points allowed (15.7). It's going to be a low scoring affair but the key factor in this is location as it's in San Francisco and Seattle's is 1-2 on the road. Expect them to go to 1-3 at the end.Pick: 49ers

Sunday 1:00 p.m.Washington Redskins @ New York GiantsThis is an important game the Giants must win. They're 0-2 in divisional play and playing an opponent that swept them last year. The Redskins are not only tied for 3rd with the Giants in scoring (29.7 ppg for them both), they also are 2nd in rushing yards (166.0 ypg) due one RGIII. But on the defensive side, the Skins are dead last in passing yards allowed (328.3 ypg) and they're pittied against the 5th best passing offense (289.7 ypg) in the league and going against an offensive line that has not allowed a sack in 3 consecutive games. Not to mention that the Giants are getting back starting DT Chris Canty, whose return is much needed at this point. Expect the boys in blue to get a much needed win against a divisional opponent.Pick: Giants

Baltimore Ravens @ Houston TexansInjuries have devastated this Ravens' defense. As much as people are crying about the loss of injury to MLB Ray Lewis, they forget the Ravens lost CB Ladarius Webb for the season to an ACL tear and their All-Pro DT Haloti Ngata has a sprained MCL and may not play Sunday. Coming off an embarrassing 42-28 outing at home last Sunday night against the Packers, the Texans are looking to avenge that loss and prove that they are still contenders for the AFC. Look for them to keep a Ravens offense that's 8th in yards (385.0 ypg) off the field by just pounding the rock with the Arian Foster-Brandon Tate combo.Pick: Texans

Sunday 4:25 p.m.New York Jets @ New England PatriotsIf this was in New York and the Jets had Holmes and Revis then this could go 50-50. However both Holmes and Revis are on IR and it's at Gillette. All week everybody was harping on the Patriots' defense (especially their secondary) but going into this game, they're going against a Jets offensive that's 30th in total offense (295.5 ypg), including 30th in passing (184.3 ypg). If Belichek was as smart as people around here say he is, he'd attack a Jets run defense that's ranked 28th (allowing 150.5 ypg) with his own 4th ranked rushing offense (going 152.3 ypg). As the old saying goes 'Winning cures all ailments' and that would apply here.Pick: Patriots

Best of the Rest:

Sunday 1:00 p.m.Tennessee Titans @ Buffalo BillsWill this be the first game where Chris "I'm So Goddamn Overrated" Johnson finds the endzone? Or will it be the 11th game in a row where he goes scoreless? Magic 8-Ball says "HAHAHAHAHAHAHA....no". And even if he does, don't think it'll help in this matter.Pick: Bills

Arizona Cardinals @ Minnesota VikingsWhat can win in a fight: A cardinal or a viking? Think we all know the answer for that.Pick: Vikings

New Orleans Saints@ Tampa Bay BuccaneersDrew Brees will be welcomed back with open arms by his fantasy owners as he throws for 4 TDs in this one. And if Schiano tries to bull rush the victory formation, you can beat a bounty will be placed on his head for next time.Pick: Saints

Dallas Cowboys @ Carolina PanthersYou honestly think I'll pick the Cowboys in this one? Rather vote for Obama than pick the Cowboys to win a game.Pick: Carolina

Sunday 4:25 p.m.Jacksonvill Jaguars @ Oakland RaidersMy crude comment of the week: Taking a dump would be more interesting than watching this game.Pick: Raiders

Sunday 8:20 p.m.Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cincinnati BengalsIt'll be interesting to see how this will turn out. The Steelers are banged up in their running backs and on the offensive line. But then again....they're facing a Bengals team who just lost to the Browns.Pick: Steelers

Monday 8:30 p.m.Detroit Lions @ Chicago BearsThe Lions defense has shown that they're just a bunch of pussycats while the Bears defense seems to be outperforming everybody, including their own offense. As Mike Ditka as my witness, I have foreseen who will win and the score. Da Bears: 100, The Detroit PussyCats 0. Daaaaa Bears!Pick: Daaaaaaaa Bears